Priority Application Dates

*First time borrowers: In accordance with federal law please note that first time borrowers must be enrolled for 30 days from the start of the term, (6/24/2009 for Summer 2009 and 9/22/09 for Fall 2009), in addition to completing the entrance counseling session, before they are eligible to receive the loan funds. Also, the funds will be divided into two disbursements; the first disbursement will be issued after 30 days from the start of the term and will be credited towards tuition first with the remaining funds going to the student. The remaining payment will be issued halfway through the loan period. (For example, if the loan period is for fall only it will be issued halfway through that term, or if the loan period is for fall and spring the remaining payment will be issued at the beginning of the spring term.) Again any tuition debt will be paid first with the remaining funds going to the student.

Timeframe to Receive Fall Financial Aid:

Prior to June 1*
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Kirkwood’s internal scholarship application is due March 31, 2009.
Filing deadline for state-funded programs is July 1, 2009.

* Please note that funding for applications completed after June 1 cannot be guaranteed for the beginning of the Fall term

Within 3-4 Weeks
The student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor. If necessary, additional paperwork may be requested.

Within 10 Days
The student will return required paperwork to Kirkwood Financial Aid Office.

Within 3-4 Weeks
The verification and review process is completed and an award notification letter is sent. The award notification letter contains instructions to activate student loans. Any grants awarded do not need to be activated.

Within 10 Days
The student activates the Stafford Loan by signing a promissory note, completeing the Entrance Counseling and submitting a Stafford Loan Request. All three may be completed online. There are links to these processes on EagleNet.

Aid will be applied to tuition the week before classes begin and balance checks will be sent approximately two weeks after classes begin. For new borrowers, federal regulations require we wait 30 days after the start of the semester before issuing or disbursing those funds.